“I Let One Get Away”- 5-Time NBA All-Star & 1999 Cup Champ Warn Rival Manufacturers While Exposing Struggling Ford’s Missed Atlanta Opportunity

The Atlanta Motor Speedway holds a lot of importance for drivers, owners, manufacturers, and businesses alike because of its geographical location and all the history associated with it. In fact, after it was revamped by Marcus Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Speedway Motorsports, in 2021, the circuit has become even more fascinating for NASCAR drivers to compete on.

However, when rain halted the race this past weekend, several cars came within inches of crashing owing to poor handling in the wet conditions. Not to mention, this wasn’t Ford’s only challenge. Previously, some racers in the Chicago street race were notable for struggling with almost no grip at all.

In light of this, the 1999 Cup Champion Dale Jarrett recently discussed Ford’s failure to capitalize in Atlanta and the team’s prospects for New Hampshire.

Ford Has To Capitalize on Its Chances If It Wants To Improve on Its Two Victories So Far This Season

Ford significantly trails behind with just two victories, compared to 11 for Chevrolet and 5 for Toyota. And that could be because Ford drivers seem to have had a rough 2023 season. Before the Atlanta Motor Speedway race, drivers and experts had already reported issues with the new cars several times. But who is to blame? Manufacturers?

While Dave Burns, Dale Jarrett, and 5-Time NBA All-Star, Brad Daugherty reflected on Ford’s dismal result at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Jarrett noted that drivers and teams should treat every chance with the same value. In addition, he emphasized the need to seize opportunities when they arise.

As Dale put it, “There are definitely times that you go away from races thinking—’Man, I let one get away.’ It’s from a driver’s perspective, a team and in this case, manufacturers that, Ford, with only two wins so far this season, they have to take those opportunities when they’re there.”

The trio also had a discussion about the upcoming race in New Hampshire, where Jarrett mentioned how the track has historically been good for Ford. And since they have some excellent drivers and short-track racers, like Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, Jarrett feels Ford has a chance to do well in New Hampshire. Still, he acknowledges that much remains to be done, including perhaps some strategy.

Besides the analysts, Ford’s new cars have also been called out by the drivers, some even doing so while still out on the tracks.

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Ryan Blaney Voiced His Displeasure on the Streets of Chicago

On Chicago streets, the extreme lack of grip proved a problem for the Ford drivers. The new Ford models’ subpar handling has been causing headaches for both drivers and teams. Ford modified the superspeedway setup in 2023 so it would be more competitive on tracks where NASCAR limits engine power. However, it appears that the new model fell short of the company’s expectations.

For example, Ryan Blaney was hanging on by a thread while racing up the track in his next-generation Ford Mustang, while other drivers were pushing their luck but still finding a way to navigate the tight and tricky corners.

However, it all became evident when Blaney vented his frustration, stating, “F****ing zero rear grip compared to these guys,” to his spotter, Josh Williams.

In fact, the recent wind tunnel studies on NASCAR’s bread-and-butter intermediate ovals spilled the beans that the Fords were flying with less downforce compared to their Chevrolet and Toyota rivals.

Taking all these factors into account, it would be truly fascinating to see how Ford drivers handle the same car where it can shine. Do you reckon Ford drivers will pull it off and clinch the win at New Hampshire?

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